So I have a Ruxstell on my '26 Touring and really like the way it enhances hill climbing etc while touring. I plan on taking a little cross country trip (cross state would be more accurate)next summer and I think it would be a good idea to put some auxillary brakes on the car to make it safer. I have all winter to do it so I'm doing a little research first to determine best option for the cost. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Having had Rocky Mountain brakes that would fade on long hills, not work when wet or when going backward,i put hydraulic disc brakes on my 26 coupe and now i don't have a problem. The opinions will vary but thats my experience. Rick

I also have disc brakes and they don't fade or care if they are wet etc. Only way to go even at $1000.00 + OR -. I have a set of RM take offs available.

By B McGuire on Friday, November 19, 2010 - 7:55 am:

I have RM brakes on three of seven Model T's. They work fine if they are adjusted properly, and that includes having the internal tranny brake adjusted, and the service brake adjusted. I had a set on the car that I drove from New York to Seattle and I might have tightened them twice in that trip.

I also have a warford in the touring, a muncie overdrive in the TT, and a Ruckstell in the centerdoor (the three that have RM brakes) and for the most part, I sorta drive the cars like they are Model T's, not Corvettes. I learned to drive a T when I was ten and my Uncle told me, "pretend like you have no brakes at all, and you will be pleased every time you press that pedal down."

That being said, I want to try a set of hydraulic brakes one day. I just need to find another car.

Repro outside rear brakes do make driving a Model T more confident...that is to say 'more', do you have to take care in an antique such as the T. But having more brake is good.

Have the Rocky's on my main touring T, and like them. But drive like a T should be driven, not fast and lots of low pedal or reverse sometimes on steep down hills grades. Those rear outside brakes are useful when you want to halt.

Install on the touring:

and for the small drum, pre-'26 using the repro 'A-C' type outside brakes, made by Larry Sidmore, keeping the looks of the car to period parts.

Those disc brakes may be the best, but too modern for my T's and driving habits

Contact Larry for the AC re-pro brakes for the small drum axle. He will sell the brake shoes, but no linkage.....gets around liability issues for him. The quality of the castings and workmanship is most appreciated for those of us who like the keep the T looking its period in time.

I don't know what the brake band material is, but green and stiff, should grab well....

Thanks Dan and Steve, I currently use the "green grabber" for the brakes on my '26 Roadster and it works well, but thought there might be something that would bite a little more. Thank you for the contact info for the small drum brakes. Green Grabber. Sounds like something the Green Goblin would use againts SpiderMan!